Having the right mindset if key if you really are serious about operating better as a professional. You can either be in charge of your growth, and let it happen to you by chance. Having a growth mindset will make you exponentially better in terms of self-improvement.
Modern professionals must not only excel at their technical abilities but also be versed in soft skills that encompass negotiation, self-advocacy, goal-setting, communication, emotion management, and self-awareness. These attributes act as the fundamental pillars upon which an enduring, high-impact career is built.
The Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is not just the realm of diplomats and top executives; it’s a skill set required at every level of professional interaction. The ability to negotiate wisely can mean the difference between an overlooked proposal and a successfully implemented one, or between stagnation and a well-deserved promotion.
As experienced professionals, you've no doubt navigated your share of negotiations. Elevate this skill by shifting from a win-lose to a win-win mentality. This transformation begins by understanding the other party’s needs as well as your own. Armed with this knowledge, you can craft strategies that create mutual value, thereby enriching the relationship rather than exploiting it. A successful negotiation isn’t a zero-sum game; it’s a platform for long-term partnership.
One of the best books to read on negotiation is Chris Voss's book Never Split the Difference. Read our top 10 take-aways from the book.
Advocating for Yourself
Your skills and accomplishments won’t always speak for themselves; sometimes, you have to be your own advocate. While modesty is a virtue, invisibility is a career impediment. Learn to assert yourself during key discussions, such as salary negotiations or role assignments.
The key is to be factual, not boastful. Build a case for your requests by collecting data on industry norms, preparing a list of your accomplishments, and framing your advocacy in terms of its benefit to the team or organization. Being prepared and strategic in your self-advocacy not only improves your chances of success but also establishes you as a thoughtful, data-driven professional.
Voohy provides fantastic tools to help you do this. Watch this space where we will add content on how you can see how you can advocate for yourself using voohy.
The Power of Goal-Setting
Setting clear, attainable goals is crucial at every career stage. However, experienced professionals often fall into the trap of becoming too comfortable or complacent.
Refresh your vision board, set new milestones, and actively seek challenges.
This doesn't mean chasing every shiny object but setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. If not SMART, then you can OKRs.
Treat your career like a business. Just as businesses have short, medium and long-term plans, so should you.
Revisit these goals regularly, tweaking them as circumstances evolve. Your adaptability to change, combined with an unwavering focus, will set you apart.
In the short term, approach each week with the top things you want to get done by the end of the week. Make it as specific as possible (for example, what do you need to get done by friday, 6PM). Try not to overdo the goals.
Preferably have no more than 3 of these for the week, and make sure to block out time dedicated for it, where there are no distractions or interruptions.
In Voohy, you can set these weekly goals to have a system to keep track and have accountability for it.
Mastering Communication Skills
Even in the most technical fields, communication skills are indispensable. We’re not just talking about public speaking but effective one-on-one and team communication.
Every email, presentation, or casual conversation contributes to your professional image.
Be concise but complete in your communications. Use empathetic listening to understand before being understood.
Brush up on your non-verbal cues; your body language can communicate as much as your words.
As you advance in your career, you'll find that you're not just sharing information but also inspiring confidence, a skill that’s invaluable in leadership roles.
Some Notable Communication Frameworks
- BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
- STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Cialdini's 6 Principles of Persuasion
Emotion Management
As experienced professionals, you have likely faced high-stakes situations that put your emotional resilience to the test. Emotion management isn’t about suppressing feelings; it's about navigating them effectively. Develop a toolbox of coping strategies, such as deep breathing, time management, and even short breaks to regroup and refocus. These tools don't signify weakness; they represent control.
Emotional intelligence — the ability to perceive, interpret, and act on emotions—is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It enables you to navigate complex team dynamics, motivate others, and contribute to a more positive work environment.
Voohy is designed from the ground up to develop and enhance your emotional intelligence.